Cavaliers 87, Bobcats 72: Cavs show life (with video)

Their chance for a championship might have dimmed, but basketball is not dead at Quicken Loans Arena.

The Cavaliers kicked off their new era of basketball without LeBron James on Tuesday in an 87-72 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats in the preseason opener for both teams.

"It's home," Cavs forward Jamario Moon said. "It's never strange to go home. We were anxious to get in here and show people basketball is still alive in Cleveland."

Three familiar faces stood out for the Cavs: J.J. Hickson, Daniel "Boobie" Gibson and Moon.

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Held out of the starting lineup by Coach Byron Scott, Hickson more than made up for lost time with 17 points and nine rebounds.

There were also positive vibes coming from Gibson, given new life by the coaching change. He fired in a game-high 18 points, was 10 of 10 from the foul line and hauled in four rebounds. But he dished out just one assist in 27 minutes.

Moon, who normally operates under the radar, was outstanding with seven points, a game-high 10 rebounds, a game-high four steals and three blocks.

"We're taking baby steps right now," Scott said. "We just want to take steps forward and not backward."

Hickson would prefer to be in the starting lineup.

"I'm a competitor, so I'm always looking to get a start," he said. "If starting is not in the formula for Byron Scott, then I'll do whatever it takes to help the team."

He said he didn't know if it was just a one-game thing.

Hickson played center for some of the night, something he did very little of in camp.

"I played it last year when I was forced to," he said. "Playing the power forward is my natural position.

"I'm looking to attacking the basketball a little more and getting to the line."

Scott likes Hickson's versatility of playing both power positions.

"I liked his aggressiveness," he said. "It's just a matter of keeping his focus every night. I think he can have a breakout season."

Gibson has been one of the pleasant surprises of camp. Known strictly as a shooter for most of his career, he's taken on a new importance under Scott.

With Mo Williams sidelined with a groin injury, Gibson is getting a chance to excel. He'll never be a big-time distributor, but he can be a consistent scorer off the bench.

Both teams were missing key performers due to injuries and personal matters.

But the Cavs' defense was outstanding as it held the Bobcats to 31.7 percent shooting from the field, 25.7 percent in the second half. The Cavs outscored the Bobcats after halftime, 44-25.

"I was proud of the way our guys played on the defensive end," Scott said. "The effort in the second half was tremendous."

Quick shots

n Former Cavs coach Mike Brown is back in the coaching ranks. He's coaching son Cameron's eighth-grade football team at Westlake.

n Scott sat courtside before the game talking to Bobcats coach Larry Brown.

"I learned from two of the best," Scott said.

He also mentioned Heat president Pat Riley as one of his gurus. Riley coached him with the "Showtime" Lakers. The Pacers traded for Scott when Brown coached the Pacers.

"Byron's special," Brown said. "He was a phenomenal teammate. He was a great player, but we got him toward the end of his career. He really helped me, the way he carried himself, the example he set. We've been friends ever since. I've known him forever, and I consider him a real friend."

n Cavs forward Tasmin Mitchell was sidelined on Tuesday because of a sore hamstring.

n Williams, who is recovering from a strained groin, worked out with the team Tuesday morning.

"Mo wants to do more," Scott said. "The objective is to make sure he's ready for the (regular) season."

Scott hopes to have Williams available in perhaps the last two preseason games.

n Scott called Gibson his best perimeter defender.

n Moon has moved into James' locker in the clubhouse.

n The Cavs unveiled their expanded, two-story team shop on Tuesday. The 5,700-foot team shop is thought to be the largest in the NBA.